how much filtration is needed?

[dclegern]

a split from my last question....

If I have 1 lb/ gallon of live rock in the tank, a good skimmer, and use carbon...
Is there a reason to have one or more sponge filters throughout, or is this a detriment in any way. ie is it over filtering?????

[alton]

1lb to gallon is good, running carbon 24/7 can be bad depending on the type of coral. As far as having pristine water, depends on what type of corals you will have in your tank. A lot of softies and some brains love pollution.

[Big_Pun]

what kind of a filter are you running(fuge, wet dry, type of overflow), for instance i have an internal over flow that runs into a bare bottom fuge so to keep big stuff from flowing in my fuge i have a pre filter sponge in the overflow.

[CoryDude]

Sounds like you want to go Berlin style. Go with the most overrated skimmer you can afford. That will help you with exporting organics before they become nitrates.

How are you running your carbon? In a filter bag in your sump or some kind of reactor. I haven't had problems with running carbon in my tank either way. But each experience is different.

Personally I try and use as few pre-filters as possible. I have strainers on my overflow and return pump to keep large particles (mainly the fish) from going through the lines. JMHO, I've always felt too much mechanical filter media limited 'pod populations.